Paul Ourada knows what Reedsville lost, the Panthers coach is just more concerned with what his squad still has.

Gone from last season’s team is a host of seniors who averaged about 34 points per game, including Shelby Otto’s 10.9 ppg.

“We lost the most talented post player in the entire lakeshore area,” Ourada said of Otto. “It’s tough to replace a six-footer in the middle of your offense but we’re going to try and scratch enough points out of three or four people.”

Despite the losses, Ourada is optimistic because back are starters Brenna Kiekhaefer, Alexyss Schmidt and Faith Lubner.

“Those three are going to have to do the bulk of our scoring,” Ourada said. “Brenna is a four-year starter for us but because we only have two seniors I need them to be vocal leaders for us.”

After challenging for the conference title in the final year of the Olympian, Ourada says his core players should give them a shot in the new Big East.

“I expect us to compete in the Big East,” Ourada said. “I wouldn’t say we’d be disappointed if we don’t win the conference but having three returning starts gives us a great chance.”

What makes the new conference unique is instead of crowning an overall champion after the season concludes, there’ll be a conference tournament which will decide who wins the title.

“It’s a change,” Ourada said of the tournament. “It’s good though because the kids are excited. It adds excitement to the season which can drag on but now we get to play to be a No. 1 or No. 2 seed.”

That’s not to say there won’t be changes.

“It’s going to be different playing everyone once,” Ourada said. “I’m going to miss our old conference but we’re looking forward to making new rivals.”

What makes Ourada confident is a slew of younger players who are ready for the big stage in Kelsey Stadler, Kennedy Hassemer and Brielle Ebben.

“All three of them are going to fill roles for us,” Ourada said. “Kennedy is going to be an outstanding rebounder and defender. She’ll be there to help pick up the slack.”